Eye Test / Examination

Eye Test & Examination

Every sight test or eye examination at Fitzsimons Opticians is tailor-made depending on your needs. As well as an eye health check, a sight test might also detect signs of underlying general health conditions. These include diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Everyone should have an eye test every two years or more often if recommended by the optometrist.

As part of your sight test we will check what you can see close up and in the distance, using special charts of symbols and letters. By using a series of different lenses the optometrist will decide whether you need glasses or perhaps a change of prescription if you are already wearing glasses.

We will ask detailed questions about your eyesight, lifestyle, health and any previous eye problems you or family members may have had. Try to answer these questions as accurately and honestly as you can. You should bring a list of any medication you take to an eye test, along with your glasses (if you use them) or any previous glasses prescription.

EYE HEALTH CHECK

We will examine the inside and outside of your eyes. We will tell you if there are any signs of disease or injury. Occasionally we will need to put drops in your eyes to get a better view of the back of your eye, but we will explain this before doing so.

Sometimes it may be necessary to check your peripheral (side) vision using a special instrument. You may also need an eye-pressure test. This is one of the procedures used to detect glaucoma.

There will be time to talk through the results of your sight test and for you to ask questions. We will advise you if you need glasses and make recommendations about the type. We will also tell you if we find any problems with your eyes and report this to your doctor or eye hospital for further investigation if needed. Finally, we will give you a written statement of your results. This will include your glasses prescription if you need one.

DON’T FORGET THE IMPORTANCE OF A SIGHT TEST FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

An eye test at Fitzsimons Opticians can…..

pick up any signs of eye disease – this is usually easier to deal with if discovered early.
check your sight and make it clearer or more comfortable to see.
check for signs of underlying general health issues that sometimes show in the eyes
answer questions and give advice about your eye health and vision
keep you informed about new products or services that can help you.

Some of the more common conditions an eye examination can detect and we are then able to deal with are –

MYOPIA or short-sightedness – a very common eye condition that causes distant objects to appear blurred, while close objects are seen clearly. The condition usually starts around puberty and gets gradually worse until the eye is fully grown.

LONG SIGHTEDNESS – affects the ability to see nearby objects while objects in the distance are much clearer. It often affects adults over 40, but can affect people of all ages.

ASTIGMATISM – this condition is caused when the cornea is not perfectly curved. The cornea is the layer of transparent tissue at the front of the eye. This irregular curve means the light rays entering your eye focus in two different places on the light-sensitive retina at the back of your eye. The brain has difficulties interpreting this, hence a blurred image is created. This condition is usually present at birth and may accompany other vision problems like long or short sightedness. Astigmatism may also cause headaches and eye strain but is usually easily corrected by glasses or contact lenses.

Fitzsimons Opticians
8 William Street
Ballymena
Co. Antrim
BT43 6AW

Phone: 028 2564 0582
Email: enquiries@fitzsimonsopticians.com

Opening Hours

Christmas and New Year Opening Hours

We will be closing at 1pm on Christmas Eve and reopening again on Monday the 4th of January

Normal operating Hours

Mon, Tues, Wed & Fri 9.00am – 5.30pm
Thurs 9.00am – 8.00pm
Saturday 9.30am – 1.00pm

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